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February 9, 2026 | 4:37pm
A total of 179 police trainees complete the PNP Basic Internal Security Operations Course during a ceremony at Camp BGen Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, on Feb. 2, 2026.
POL BAR
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has relieved an entire police unit in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao over the alleged hazing of newly graduated recruits.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said at a press conference on Monday, February 9 that all members of Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Mobile Force Battalion 14B, composed of more than 70 police personnel, were removed from their posts.
"Tinanggal ang lahat ng miyembro ng 14D ng RMFB at sila ay pinalitan ng miyembro ng 14A," Tuaño said. (All members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14B were removed and replaced with members of 14A.)
Complainants identified at least 12 of the relieved personnel as suspects. A PRO-BAR report named five corporals and five patrolmen, along with several unidentified individuals listed as "John Does."
The incident
Tuaño said the alleged hazing took place on Friday, February 6 between noon and 6 p.m., shortly after the victims completed their Basic Internal Security Operations Course.
Instead of a routine transition to their new assignment in Lamitan, Basilan, the graduates were allegedly subjected to violent initiation rituals.
The investigation began after one complainant initially came forward, later prompting 18 others to file formal reports. Tuaño said an additional 110 individuals have since joined the complaint.
The victims are undergoing medical examinations as investigators work to determine whether other personnel were involved.
Zero-tolerance policy
The entire battalion is currently held at the PRO-BAR headquarters in Maguindanao del Norte for accounting and investigation, pending the possible filing of charges under the Anti-Hazing Act.
In a separate statement, the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region condemned the alleged abuses and reiterated the PNP's zero-tolerance policy.
"Under the principle of command responsibility, negligent supervisors will face administrative sanctions, and appropriate charges will be filed against those directly involved," the statement said.
